Ohio crackdown on Internet cafes runs out of time

COLUMBUS -- An Ohio Senate spokeswoman says the chamber won't take up a proposal that amounts to a virtual ban on the game parlors known as Internet cafes.

Spokeswoman Angela Meleca says the Senate's leader told his Republican caucus that he would not bring the bill to a vote, citing a lack of time to fully vet the measure. The Senate aims to finish its work for the session Thursday.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has led the push to get rid of the businesses. He told a Senate panel on Tuesday that the operations were ripe for money laundering and cause problems for law enforcement.

DeWine testified in a packed hearing room that included opponents to the bill. Some wore T-shirts claiming the measure would take away their jobs.